Join the Conversation

Join in civic innovation discussion during YPWeek in Sheboygan

For USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Published 8:08 a.m. CT April 22, 2018

Sheboygan Soup (Support Our Urban Projects) is a crowdfunding event offering an opportunity for civic innovation by bringing the community together to share ideas for how to better the community.(Photo: Phillip Bock/USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin)

SHEBOYGAN – What do you think when you hear the term “civic innovation?”

The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce says you can think of it as a welcoming invitation to find your place in the community.

This concept will be the topic at Coastal Young Professional Network’s “Let’s Be Real: Community Conversation on Civic Innovation” from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 27, at Mead Public Library, 710 N 8th St, Sheboygan. The event will feature appetizers and local speakers who will explain civic innovation, its role in our community’s governance and growth, and the opportunities for collaboration.

The event is one of many during YPWeek 2018, April 20 to 28, a weeklong platform for discovery, adventure and meaningful conversations about the issues that matter among young professionals in Wisconsin.

“Civic innovation is simple: it involves easy actions that anyone can take to impact change in their community,” Carissa Schlegel, Coastal YPN and special events coordinator, said. “Attend a county board meeting or vote in a local or state election. You can introduce an idea at a SOUP event or volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about.”

The “SOUP” that Schlegel is talking about is Sheboygan Soup (Support Our Urban Projects), a crowdfunding event offering an opportunity for civic innovation by bringing the community together to vote on projects while they share a meal of soup, salad and bread.

“We ask people ‘what would make your neighborhood an even better place to live in?’” said Amanda Salazar, one of SOUP’s founding members and executive director of Sheboygan Squared.

Inspired by that prompt, people share their community improvement projects with a five-minute pitch at a SOUP event. Attendees discuss each project and vote for their favorite, with the winner receiving funds raised from donations collected that evening.

The next SOUP event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at 3 Sheeps Brewing Co.

“This is an example of civic innovation,” Salazar said. “SOUP encourages people to discuss ideas, get to know their neighbor and learn that little things can make a big impact.”

Coastal’s YPWeek 2018 events are open to the public, and include wide-ranging programming like “Moving Forward: The Truth About Trafficking” and “The Dating Game: Non-Profit Edition,” which shares opportunities to learn more about volunteering for Sheboygan County nonprofits.

“Our programs give people the chance to improve their skills, meet area leaders and connect with the community through volunteer opportunities,” Schlegel said. “It makes civic innovation accessible and understandable and encourages collaboration.”

For more information about Coastal YPN and the events planned for YPWeek 2018, visit sheboygan.org/coastal.